WHALE UPDATE: “All we can hope is that nature does take its course and does not suffer too long”

Hunstanton whale ANL-160402-113352001

Published:11:45Updated:12:53Thursday 04 February 2016

The next few hours are crucial in the battle to save the life of a sperm whale beached at Hunstanton this morning.

Sea Life Sanctuary staff from the town, who are on scene with other rescurers, said the 14m animal is still breathing and alive.

Hunstanton whale ANL-160402-113338001

UK Coastguard is advising people to keep a safe distance away from a whale.

At around 7.30 this morning the Coastguard received a call to say that the whale had beached itself. Hunstanton Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the location and is still in the area to assist and make sure people are kept at a safe distance.

UK Coastguard Jeremy Littlewood said: “This is the second whale to beach itself on Hunstanton Beach and the sixth whale that the UK Coastguard has dealt with in this area. We are planning to cordon off the beach later today. It is obviously a very distressing scene and we would advise members of the public, for their own safety, to keep at a safe distance.

“We have informed the Receiver of Wreck and the Zoological Society of London.”